6th annual career fair a win-win for all involved

More than 60 employers currently are registered to attend the event.“It is really diverse this year,” Ward said. “Several new businesses are slated to be there, along with a lot of established businesses.”

CHEBOYGAN — For those who are having a difficult time finding work, or may be wanting a career change, there is an opportunity coming up that cannot be missed.

On April 17, from noon-4 p.m., the sixth annual 2013 Career Fair for Cheboygan and Presque Isle counties will be held at the National Guard Armory, 610 Cuyler St., in Cheboygan.

"This is the final of four career fairs held in Northeast Michigan," said Tamara Ward, business liaison in the two counties for Michigan Works! and the Northeast Michigan Consortium. "This is a match between employer and job seekers."

More than 60 employers currently are registered to attend the event.

"It is really diverse this year," Ward said. "Several new businesses are slated to be there, along with a lot of established businesses."

Areas such as healthcare, insurance, production and retail/hospitality are going to be represented at the event.

Ward said there will be a lot of openings that are full-time careers, but first impressions made by perspective employees is everything.

"The first impressions are made within the first seven seconds, even before they look at skills," she said. "People need to come prepared to make a lasting impression."

To impress an employer, Ward said people should dress professionally and be prepared for on-site interviews, have ample copies of a professional resume on hand and plan to look for a career and not just a part-time job.

"This is an employers' market," she said. "This event will give employers the opportunity to pre-screen potential candidates."

If you see an opening but are afraid to apply because you don't have the skills, no worries.

"Northeast Michigan employers are willing to train those who make that first lasting impression," Ward said. "This gives potential employees a chance to build a skill set."

In the last three years of the event, Ward said between 500-600 people have attended the career fair.

"Employers are telling us this is an effective way for them to get jobs filled," she said. "Some of the employers are from the region and not just local. This is because residents should expect to travel a half-hour for long-term jobs."

She also said this is a win-win-win for everyone.

"It is a good partnership for the employers ― we do all the planning and all they have to do is show up," Ward said. "It is good for Michigan Works! and it is good for those looking for a career."

For more information about the career fair, contact Michigan Works! at (231) 627-4303 or (989) 733-8548. Also, it is not recommended to bring children to the event.